Credited from: THEGUARDIAN
On Thursday, a small aircraft tragically crashed through the roof of a furniture manufacturing facility in Fullerton, Southern California, leading to the deaths of two individuals, presumed to be the plane's occupants, and injuries to 19 others inside the building. The incident unfolded shortly after takeoff from the Fullerton Municipal Airport, situated approximately 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the distressed pilot signaled air traffic control for an immediate landing, with the last audible moments recorded as a series of panicked breaths followed by a woman’s shocked reaction just before the crash.
Emergency services were swift to respond, with eleven injured individuals requiring hospital treatment. Fullerton Deputy Chief of Fire Operations Michael Meacham reported that injuries ranged from minor to severe. The FAA has identified the aircraft as a single-engine, four-seat Van’s RV-10, a popular kit-built airplane constructed in 2011. The precise reasons for the emergency return request remain unclear, prompting ongoing investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Eyewitnesses noted the dramatic descent of the plane, captured on security cameras from a nearby manufacturing facility, showing it tilting before impact. The Fullerton City Council, led by Mayor Fred Jung, reiterated their commitment to assisting all affected by this tragedy, emphasizing the strength and compassion of the community during such crises. As investigations proceed, the hopes for swift closure for the victims' families remain paramount.
For further details, refer to the AP News article.